FAIRFIELD, Conn. - The Fairfield University women's lacrosse team continues Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) play on Lessing Field when the Stags host Marist College on April 19 at 1pm for Senior Day. Prior to the game, the Stags will recognize the contributions of their seniors.
Fairfield (10-3; 5-0 MAAC) vs. Marist (11-2; 5-0 MAAC): The Stags are 16-8 all-time against the Red Foxes since 1997. Last season, Fairfield fell in overtime, 7-6, to Marist in the MAAC Tournament semifinal game on May 3. In that contest, Jenna Slowey scored two goals while Courtney Chmil and Jenna Fuchs netted one apiece.
Scouting the Red Foxes: Marist has won eight straight and is coming off a 13-8 victory over Manhattan on April 16. Senior Jamie Romano and sophomore Allison Gionta are tied as the Red Foxes' leading scorers this season with 30 goals apiece. Kirsten Viscount has 24 goals while Emily Leonard is next with 20. Rookie goalie Abigail Witczak has recorded 81 saves, earning a save percentage of .474.
Last Time Out: Fairfield was last in action on April 16 when it defeated MAAC foe Quinnipiac, 18-7, on Lessing Field. Senior Jenna Slowey led Fairfield with a game-high five goals while classmate Melanie Raso added four goals. Rookie Riley Hellstein netted two goals for the Stags who also received goals from Jamie Leone, Julieanne Mascera, Colleen Reynolds, Maeve Quinn, Alex Fehmel, Riley Smith, and Scarlett Sulliman.
Senior Status: Saturday's game will be the final contest on Lessing Field for seniors Kerry Lowth, Sam Sherman, Samantha Mazzeo, Erinn Hogan, Melanie Raso, Addie Reilly, and Jenna Slowey. Over the last four seasons, these seven have helped the Stags to 46 victories and two MAAC regular season championships.
National Notice: Entering the week, the Stags are among the national statistical leaders in several categories. Sophomore goalie Chelsey Sidaras is ranked fourth in goals against average (6.51) and 14th in save percentage (0.486) while junior defender Meghan Reda is 17th in caused turnovers per game (1.83). As a team, Fairfield is ranked fourth in scoring defense (6.67) and 16th overall in win percentage (.750). The Stags are also 19th in caused turnovers per game (9.67) and 20th in scoring margin (4.17).
Pardon Our Appearance: Stags fans will be noticing some changes over the next few weeks to the athletic complex. The first phase of construction on the Rafferty Stadium project has gotten underway. Due to the construction, the Walsh Athletic Center Parking Lot will be closed. Fans are asked to utilize the parking lots at Dolan Commons, Fairfield Prep, the rear of Alumni Hall, and Jogues Hall when they visit Stags Country for a game.
Looking Ahead: The Stags will continue conference play on the road. Fairfield will stop at Monmouth on April 23 before traveling to Canisius on April 26.
